I don’t know why, but part of my tears at the Allume conference were over the types of posts I post here. I want to impart my love for God but I also really like to talk fashion and TV. But then I post about something surface-y and I feel so entirely superficial. Sometimes I feel like I’m trying to represent the whole me with each post and when pushed to choose, Jesus always wins.
But that’s not being true to me either.
After Summer of 7, I’ve looked at my clothes and makeup differently. On the outside, I might dress the same but on the inside, I see now that I truly do it because I believe it’s an expression of the creativity that God gave me, not a vie for attention.
Ann Voskamp said it best this weekend that “creativity is good theology”. Sarah Markley said we separate the secular and spiritual too much.
I agree.
All good and beautiful things come from God.
When I see pretty fashion, I’m inspired to beauty and that reminds me of God’s beautiful creations, NOT the cover of Vogue.
Source: indulgy.com via Amy on Pinterest
Jen, who I met at the airport on the way to Allume, had a wonderful post yesterday on (in)courage about Christian women sharing their beauty tips and it was so timely for me. She says “We are fearfully and wonderfully made just exactly as we are, but do we convey that? Do we carry ourselves in such a way that others would believe that about us?”
Source: etoday.ru via Amy on Pinterest
My friend Dani and I have gone in circles talking about this and I’m more convinced than ever that we are free to express our creativity in our clothes.
Source: google.com via Amy on Pinterest
HOWEVER, I still desire to be responsible with my money.
Dani was amazing and offered pieces of her wardrobe for me to borrow and wear for the conference. Dani and her very creative self helped me put these outfits together using many of her clothes so I didn’t spend hundreds of dollars on new clothes just for the conference. Isn’t she awesome? Thank you, friend!
Source: danweinrich.com via Amy on Pinterest
So with all that in mind, I share these outfits from Allume WITH the inspiration it evokes in me. I really do come to appreciate God’s creations when I see fashion expressed with color and pattern in the same way.
Source: google.com via Amy on Pinterest
I can’t think of a better way than to end the 31 Days of Wisdom with these verses from our final chapter in Proverbs.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Be sure to check out the SmileBooth photos over on the Facebook page. Kicking myself for not taking more!
This post is part of The Nester’s 31 Days Series
This post is linked to WIWW